Bag closing and tying machine



C. F. SPARKS. BAG c1os|NG AND TYING MACHINE.

'APPLICATION FILED ocT. 23, 1'9'2'0.

.Patented Def. 1:1,I 1921.

s SHEETS-SHEET nl l CLRSPARKS. A BAG 'CLOSING AND IYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 23. I92 0. 1,400,327, Patented Deo. 13, 1921.

` 6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

C. F. SPARKS. 'BAG .cLoslNG AND TYING MAcHlNE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 23. 1920.

Patented Dec. 13, 1921.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Patented Dee. 13, 1921.

SASHEETS-SHEET 4.

C. F. SPARKS. BAG CLOSING AND IYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 23, 1920.

c. F. SPARKS,

BAG CLOSING AND TYING MACHINE. APPucATmN FILED ocr. 2s. 1920. 1 Patented D60. 13,V 1921. m zo f s sHETs-sHE 5.

- I 11? 1? 10.9 Joa as e MM2/figg- CY/iafZs iff/barra" C. F. SPARKS. BAG CLOSING AND TYING MACHINE. APPLICATION man ocr. 23, |920.

Patented Dec. 13, 1921.

. 6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

Y which the following is UNITED ySTATES CHARLES F. SPARKS, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

BAG- CLOSING AND TYING MACHINE.

incassa.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 13, 1921.

Application filed October 23, 1920. Serial No. 419,151.

To all whom t may concern l Y Be it known that I, CHARLES F.-. SPARKS, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of St. Louis and State of Missouri, have invented new and useful Improvements in Bag Closing and Tying Machines, of

a specification.

This invention relates to machines for closing and tying bags or other receptacles, though many features of the invention would be applicable to the construction of automatic machines used for other specific purposes.` The general object of the invention is to produce a simple automatic machine for holding the receptacle that is to be closed and for applying a vtying cord or other closing means, to the receptacle. As applied to a machine for closing` and tying bags, the invention includes means for holding the neck of the bag to enable automatic tying mechanism to apply the tying cord. One of the objects of the invention is to provide a simple general construction for the machine which will facilitate the placing of the bag in position, and whichwill operate to hold the neck of the bag securely while the tying operation is taking place; also to provide improved knotting or tying mechanism which operates automatically to lay a loop or loops around the neck of the bag and to form a very simple knot or hitch in the tying cord which will operate to fasten the tying cord very securely to the bags neck. Y

Further objects of the invention will apppear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the novel features, and in the general combination of parts to be particularly described hereinafter, all, of which contribute to produce a simple bag closing and tying machine. A preferred embodiment of my invention will be particularly described in the following specification, while the broad scope of my.

invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the machine, embodying my invention, the lower portion of the supporting frame being broken away; this view shows the mechanism holding the bag and operating to apply the tying cord to the bags neck;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the machine about on the line 2-2 of Fig. 6 omitting the supporting frame and showingl the mechanism of the machine in its open position, which it assumes when ready to receive the bag;

Fig. 3 is a detail rear elevation, showing parts of the mechanism for controlling the operation of the loop laying device; this view particularly illustrates the means for effecting a timed rotation of the loop laying device, and shows the same locked in a stationary position corresponding to the relation of the parts in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4: is a view similar to Fig. 3 but showing another stage of the movement that controls these parts, and showing the device unlatched and ready for receiving the rotary movement Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross section through the machine taken about on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1;

. Fig. 7 is a horizontal section through the lower portion of the mechanism of the machine and illustrating the means for holding the bags neck, and including an automatic constricting device; in this view many parts of the mechanism are omitted;

F ig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, but shows the holding means for the bags neck in an open position;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the upper portion of the machine, certain parts being broken away;

Fig. 10 is a horizontal section through the lower portion of the mechanism and particularly illustrating the kno't forming mechanism which includes automatic means for laying the loop;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic View illustrating the manner in which the end of the tying cord is held in the machine when it is started, and also illustrating the mode of operation of the loop laying mechanism;

Fig. 12 is'a view similar to Fig. 11, but showing a more advanced stage in the movement of the loop laying mechanism;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Figs; 11 and 12, but showing the loop laying movement substantially completed;

' Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 but showing the tyingcord after being severed and after the loop has been pulled tight'on the neck of the bag;

Fig. 15'is a perspective showing the upper portion of the bag and particularly illustrating the manner in which the knot forming device operates with relation to the loop and the other parts of the tying cord;

F-ig. 16 is a vertical section and partial elevation particularly illustrating details of thevholding means for holding the tying cord in coperating with the loop laying arm; Y

Fig. 17 is a rear elevation of the lower portion ofthe main frame of the mechanism, certain parts being broken away, and particularly illustrating details of the means for controlling the loop laying mechanism;

Fig. 18 is a side elevation illustrating details of the reciprocating part or needle which coperates with the loop forming mechanism to form a hitch or knot in the tying cord;

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view Vfurther illustrating the mode of operation of the knotter device after the loop laying operation is completed; this view particularly illustrates means which I may employ for severing the tying cord;

Fig. 2O is a view similar to Fig. 19, but showing the operation further advanced, the tying cord having been severed and a part of the tying cord being pulled through the loop preparatory to pulling the loop tight on the neck of the bag to form the knot or hitch;

Fig. 21 is a side elevation upon an enlarged scale and particularly illustrating the mode of operation ofthe means which I prefer to employ for opening up the loop to permit the knetter to pass'through it;

Fig. 22 is a side elevation of the needle shaft and particularly illustrating details of the construction which may be employed to enable the needle to seize a part of the tying cord preparatory to pulling it through the loop;

Fig. 28 is a detail elevation further illustrating the parts shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 211 is a perspective of a detent device which constitutes a feature of the invention; and

Fig. 25 is a vertical section showing details, certain parts being broken away.

The machine illustrated comprises a supporting frame 1 of any suitable construction, and this frame supports means for engaging the opposite sides of the neck 2 of a bag 3 or other receptacle which may rest upon a shelf or plate t supported on the supporting frame (see Fig. 1). The means for engaging the neck of the bag, preferably comprises a main frame 5 and an auxiliary frame 6 which are connected with actuating mechanism in such a way that the frames will approach each other to engage and hold the neck of the bag, and while in this position automatic knotting mechanism carried by the main frame 5 operates to apply a tying cord to the neck of the bag and form a hitch or knot in the cord. The frames 5 and 6 are preferably mounted to swing in a vertical plane and are supported from a common shaft or arbor. 7 carried at the upper end of the supporting frame;l each of the frames 5 and 6 is also provided with means at its lower end for engaging the neck of the bag, and this preferably consists of two plates 8 and 9 which are disposed Voppositely to each other, each plate being 1) which carries a pair Vof oppositely disposed cranks lli and 15 which are connected respectively with the frames 5 and 6. This connection between the actuating meansand the frames 5 and 6 is so 'constructed that the first part of the cycle of movement operates to swing the frames toward each other, causing the jaws 10 and 11 to engage the neck of the bag after whichv the frames remain stationary, but the continued movement of the actuating mechanism then operates the automatic knotting mechanism 412 to apply the tying cord. In order to accomplish this I provide the main frame 5 with an actuating member 16 which is movably connected with the frame 5. That is to say, it is connected to it through a'yielding connection or lost motion device. This member 16 is preferably in the Aform of a channel shaped lever pivoted on a shaft 17 at the rear end of the gripping plate 8, and to the upper end of this lever a connecting rod 18 is attached which swings in a substantially vertical plane and is attached at one end to the crank 14, and at the other-end to a pivot or wrist pin 18a. By reason of its channel form this lever presents a flange at each side of the frame 5. I provide a yielding connection between themovable end ofthe actuating member 16 and the main frame 5 which operates to impart the inward move- Y ment of the actuating member to the main frame, without any relative movement occurring in the actuating member with respect to the main frame 5 until the neck of the bag is engaged by the main frame; after this, the connection between the actuating member 16 and the frame 5 yields so as to permit a relative movement. During this relative movement the knotting mechanism 12 is automatically actuated. The yielding or lost motion connection between the member 16 and the main frame 5, is preferably simply a coil spring 19 which is of suflicient strength to force the frame inwardly in the first part of the movement, the direction of rotation of the shaft 13 being as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1. Y f

The actuating shaft 13 may be driven in any suitable manner, for example, by means of a beltpulley 2O on a counter shaft which drives a pinion 21 meshing with a gear wheel 22 onthe shaft 13.

The knotting mechanism includes a loop laying device which consists preferably of a rotary arm 23 (see Fig. 1) carried on the lower end of a substantially'vertical knotter shaft 24 which is disposed directly over the neck of the bag. I provide means for guiding the supply cord down the shaft 24 and outwardly on the arm 23. For this purpose the supply cord 25 is carried at an elevated point on the supply wheel or spool 26 supported on the upper part of the frame 5. The cord passes down over a guide bar 1a; in order to guide the cord down the shaft 24, I prefer to construct the shaft 24V of tubular form and simply pass the cord down through the same from the upper end (see Fig. 1) the cordis then taken out through the side of the' shaft 24 through a small opening at the point Y27 and then passes through a guide eye 28 and thence downwardly through a tube 29 which extends down from the outer end of the loop layer arm 23 so as to deliver the tying cord just above the plate 8. When the knotting mechanism is operating, this arm revolves and lays a loop or loops around the neck of the bag.

The plate 8 constitutes a loop frame, that is to say, it carries means to coperate with the arm 23 to form the loops and other means to facilitate the operation of the knotter to complete the tying of the knot after the loop or loops are laid.

The means for coperating with the loop layer arm preferably comprises two distinct clamping means which may clamp the cord at the same time, but the operation of which is timed so that one of the clamps will operate to hold the cord when it is necessary to have the other clamp in an open position, which would release the cord in other words, these two clamping devices coperate to prevent the end of the cord from ever getting away from the control of the loop mechanism. In order to accomplish this, I prefer to provide a post 31 (see Fig. 10) with which coperates a clamping member 32, and the movement ofV this clamping member 32 is automatically controlled so as to rotate the same on a pivot 33 on the plate 8 at the proper times, either to clamp the cord between the clamping member 32 and the post 31, or to release the cord from between these parts. A second post 34 is provided on the upper side of the plate, with which coperates a clamping member 35 which is also automatically controlled so that the operation of this member is properly timed to cooperate with the clamping device corresponding to the post 31. Fig. 11 shows an early stage in the formation of the loop, which shows the relation of the parts when the machine is being started up, the loose end 36 of the tying cord having been held by ones hand between the post 31 and the clamping member 32. As the guide tube 29 of the rotary arm rotates, it passes between the post 34 and the clamping member 35 (which is open at this time), and then passes on around the bags neck 2 so as to form a bight 37 in the tying cord around the neck. The tube 29 then continues to revolve and draws the cord over the clamping member 32, (see Fig. 16) this clamping member is formed with a rounded and inclined outer face 38 and has a lip 38a which extends over the upper side of the post. vSuch a construction as this is necessary in order to enable the cord to pass freely over this clamping device in this revolution of the loop laying arm. The clamping member 35 is also provided with an inclined rounded upwardly projecting edge 35a (see Fig. 12). This edge may be rounded and inclined like the rounded face 38 of the clamping member 32, so that when the cord is dragged over it, it will not engage the cord but willpermit it to pass freely. When the loop laying tube 29 has arrived at about the point indicated in Fig. 12, means carried by the loop frame or plate 8 operates to engage the cord so as to form a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag. This means is preferably in the form of a detent or detent plate 39. This detent is capable of assuming an inactive position which permits the'tying cord to pass freely over it, but it is also capable of being moved into an active position in which it will catch the cord and assist in forming the loop. This detent plate has a rotatable stem 40 extending from it (see Fig. 10) which is rotatably mounted in a bearing 41 on the upper face of the plate 8. Then the tube 29 places the bight 37 around the bags neck, a part 42 of this cord is laid across the inner end of the detent plate which at that time is lying flat on the face of the plate 8 (see F ig. 11). The outer lend of this detent plate 39 which is disposed away from the neck 2, is formed with an elevated and inclined overhanging flangeV 43 (see Fig. 24). By automatic means, to be described hereinafter, the stem 40 is rotated just as the tyinOV cord is being dragged past the detent. This throws the plate into the path of the tying cord in such a way that the tying cord forms a bight V44 around the outer end of the plate and under the flange 43 (see Fig. 12). The tube 29 proceeds along its arc of movement from the point shown in Fig. 12, and passes in another or second revolution around the bags neck. As it completes this revolution, it draws the cord around the neck of the bag in such a way as to form an open loop 45 comprising the two sides 46 and 47 of the cord, and just before the tube passes the post 31 in this revolution, the clamping member or block 32 moves away from the post so as to permit the tube to pass it (see Fig. 13). When this occurs, the clamping member 35 is holding the cord against the post 34. The'passing of the tube past the post in the manner shown in Fig. 13 lays an extension 48, or part 48 of the cordbeyond the loop 45 and extending from the neck of the bag to the post. Y

The knotter then operates upon the loop and extensions of the cord laid on the loopvframe to form the knot. This is preferably accomplished by means of a reciprocating member that is mounted so that it can pass through the loop 45, seize a part of the cord beyond the loop and then pull the same back through the loop at the same time pulling Ythe loop tight. In order to do this, it is necessary to sever the partor extension of the cord which is seized by the reciprocating member. In the present instance, I provide a knotter which operates to pass through the loop and engage the extension 48 of the tying cord, but it should be understood that I do not limit myself to the laying of such an extension of the cord exactly Vas described; it is simply necessary that the loop laying mechanism should operate in such a way as to form a loop around kand extending from the neck of the bag, and to lay an extension of the cord beyond the loop in such a way that it can be engaged by a knotter or needle which reciprocates completely through the loop. That is to say, it passes the cord of the loop twiceY in going Y in and twice in coming out. The function Ywith an inclined face 53.

of the detent plate 39 may be performed in any suitable manner, that is to say, its function is to operate as a means to displace the sides 46 and 47 of the loop 45 with respect to eachother; in other words, it operates as a loop-opener by moving one side of the loop to a higher elevation than the other side. This'opening of the loop greatly facilitatesthe passage of the knotter through the loop and enables me to mount the knotter needle to swing about a vertical axis on the plate 8. This mode of operation makes the construction 'and operation of the knotter very simple. The knotter is preferably in the form of a needle 49 comprising a stein orl shaft 50 (see Figs. 10 and 14) having means carried by it or associated with it, which will operate in such a way as to enable it to engage the cord placed in the path of the shaft. For this purpose, I prefer to provide the side of the shaft with a notch 51, and on the shaft of the needle I provide a sliding sleeve 52 (see Fig. 18). The end of the needle shaft 50 is provided As the needle comes forward, -this inclined face 53 strikes the extension 48 (see Fig. 22), which extension is disposed in a xed position and causes the extension 48 to ride along on the upper side of the needle shaft; the extension or part 48 eventually drops into the lnotch 51. As the needle performs the last 52 just Ybefore it engages the extension `48.

This relative movement of the stem and sleeve contracts a coil spring 54 located on the needle stem back of the sleeve 52. As the stem withdraws it pulls the cord against the end of the relatively stationary sleeve 52 sonas to clamp the extension 48 ofthe cord in the notch in the needle, as illustrated in Fig. 20. Then the needle stem and the sleeve both move back together in the return stroke. In order to accomplish this, the sleeve 52 is controlled by means of a small cam `lever 55 pivoted on a post 56 which extends-upwardly at the rear endof the needle stein, and this cam lever isA in the form of a bell crank, the upper armfof which has a rounded khead 57 which is adapted to engage cams 58 and 59 shown in dotted lines in F ig.' l0 (see Figs. 1 and 2). These cams are mounted in a fixed position along the arc of movement of the head 57 as it moves forward in the movement of the-needle, and Vgives the needle sleeve the mode of operation described above. In orderto insure that Vthe extension 48 will always be laid in apredetermined position, I provide a small inclined splint or guide 60 which engages the lower side of the extension 48 when it is being placed in position'and raises it slightly into definite predetermined position, at the same time placing the extension slightly in tension; in this wayrthe extension 48 presents itself exactly in the path of the needle as illustrated in Fig. 22, and by giving the splint or guide 60 the desired shape or height, the position of this extension can be very nicely adjusted. K

l/Vhen the extension 42 of the tying cord is laid, it lies directlyover the' edge61 on the detent and this extension 42is crossed by the side 46 of the 'loop 45. On this acc'ount,when the detent plate 39 is movedV to its active position it elevates the extension 42 and the side 46 of the loop. And as the bight 44 of the loop lies directly against the stem 40 the rotationof theplatedoes not produce any elevation of the side 47 of the loop 45, that is to say, the rotation of the detent 39from its inactive or depressed position into its upright lor active lposition operates to displace the sides ofthe loop and produces an eye, or opening 62-in the vertical projection of the loop as indicated in Fig. 21. At the point where this opening or eye 62 occurs, the upper edge of the plate is formed with a concave edge or notch 63 which coperates with the eye 62 to prevent any obstruction `to the knotter needleV as it advances through the loop.

Any suitable means may be provided for severing the tying cord to permit the part caught by the needle stem 50 to be pulled through the loop. Fig. 19 shows the knotter needle passed through the loop and in the act of commencing its return movement. I provide very simple means for severing the tying cord which consists in a knife edge 64 which is associated with the post 31, and if desired, may be formed as an integral part of the post, giving the knife a hook shape as viewed in plan. Fig. 19 shows the needle just starting back so as to draw the extension 48 across the knife edge. I provide means for producing a quick return movement of the needle so as to give the effect of a jerk which will operate eifectively to sever the cord. When this jerk occurs the clamp 32 will be clamping the cord against the post 31, see Fig.V 20.

I shall now describe the carrier for the needle and the automatic mechanism for producing this jerk or quick return of the needle. This jerk not only is useful in severing the tying cord, but also operates to pull the cord back through the loop and jerks tne loop tight around theV bags neck.

In the operation4 of the knotter, it simply reciprocates in a fixed path and theoperationof tl e loop laying mechanism consists in laying the loop Vin this path, one side of the loop being disposedV across and on one side of the path of movement of the needle and the other side of the loop' being disposed across and on the other side of the path of the needle.

The needle or knotter is mounted upon a carrierwhich may be in the form of an. arm 65 and mounted to swing in a horizontal plane. This arm is attached near the lower end of a rock shaft 66 which is supported on the Aplate 8 (see Figs. 2 and 23). The outer end of this arm carries `the aforesaid post 56 and also carries the shaft 50 of the needle. In order to actuate the needle carrier the upper end of the shaft 66 is provided with a rigid arm 67 (see Figs. 2 and 10)', and to this arm there is pivotally attached an actuating bar 68 that extends over toward the left, the

left end of the bar being guided through a,

slot 69 formed in the lower end of a lever 70 on the side of the main frame 5. At the point where it passes through the slot 69, bar

68 is cut away so as to form a shoulder 72 which constitutes part of a tripping device, as will appear hereinafter. The upper end of the lever 70 is connected with the actuatingrmember 16 by a link 73, so that in the motion of the mechanism, soon after the inward movement of the actuating' member 16 begins with respect to the main frame 5', the edge of the slot 69 will engage the shoulder 72 and pull the bar68 toward the left; this will rock the rock shaft 66 in a clockwise direction and cause the needle to pass through the loop as the motion of the mechanism progresses. As the needle arrives at the limit of its forward movement the bar 68 is tripped out of engagement with the edge of the slot 69 and is returned by a sudden movement so that theneedle having engaged the upper end of the tying cord, jerks the same through the loop. For this purpose the rear end of the bar 68 carries a spring 7 3 which is attached to the side of the frame 5 (see Fig. 10), the outer end of said spring being attached to a cam head 74 formed on the end of this bar. As the movement of the bar 68 toward the left progresses the cam 74 comes against a tripping dog 75 projecting out from the side of the actuating member 16; of course, as the bar 68 moves toward the left it extends the spring, and as soon as the dog 75 engages the cam 74 and ltrips the shoulder 72 out of engagement with the slot 69, the spring immediately pulls the bar 68 toward the right; this gives the needle a quick return movement. The spring 73 should be disposed in a slightly inclined direction so that it tends to pull the shoulder 72 against the end of slot 69 with which it cooperates. After the needle has `been withdrawn in this way, the shoulder 72 will of course be located toward the right of the actuating lever 70, but during the relative outward 'movement of the actuating member 16, the lower end of the lever() will move toward the right and finally move past the notch so as to occupy a position such as that shown in Fig. 10. l v

As soon as the two plates 8 and 9 have come together to hold the neck of the bag, the knotter shaft will be given the two revolutions referred to above which laythe loop in the tying cord preparatory to forming the knot. In order to rotate the knotter shaft 24, I provide a pinion preferably in the form of a bevel pinion (see Fig. 1), which is mounted on the upper end of shaft 24. Meshing with this pinion I provide a large gear or bevel gear 81 (see Fig. 5) the same being supported rigidly on a horizontal shaft 82 carried in a suitable vfixed bracket 83. Suitable automatic means is provided for giving this shaft 82 a sufficient rotation to impart two revolutions to the knotter shaft. lIn the present instance, this is accomplished by means of a pin-wheel 84 which is attached to the shaft 82 and which carries on its outer face a plurality of equidistant projecting pins 85. These pins are utilized to effect a periodical or timed rotation of theshaft 82. I prefer to accomplish this by means of a dog bar 88 (see Fig. 2),

vthe outer end of which is pivotally supported on a pivot bolt 86 at the lower end of an arm 87 that is pivotally mounted `for slight rotation on an extension pin 18b of wrist pin 18a. The inner end of the dog bar 88 carries a dog 90 to coperate with the pins 85 of the pin-wheel 84. Near its outer end this dog bar 88 is supported by a link 89, the upper end of which is attached to the connecting rod 18 near its middle point. In Fig. 2 the dog 90 is shown lying between two of the pins 85; there are nine of the pins 85; when the movement-of the machine continues beyond the point indicated in Fig. 2, this dog 90 descends in a general diametrical direction (after theplates 8 and 9 havecome together) and assumes a position between two of the pins 85 near the bottom of the disk or wheel 84. After this, as the crank 14 is rising, the Vdog 90 moves toward the right and describes an arc as it rises, maintaining contact with the pin just ahead of 1t on the wheel 84; in this way the dog 90 operates to Oive the pin-wheel four-ninths of a revolutlon. The bevel gear 81 and the pinion 80 are so related that a four-ninth revolution Y of the'gear will impart just two revolutions f to the" loop layer arm 423.

a fixed stop 98.

' They knotter shaft 24 is normally held against rotation through the agency of a latch or detent pawl 91l (see Figs. 3 and 4) ;V

this latch is in the form of a bellcrank lever pivoted on the` main frame? 5 and pulled by. a spring 92 j in a direction which tends to engage the notch 93 in the end ofthe pawl with one of the pins 85. In order to release the pin-wheel .84 fromthis latch automatically when the pin-wheel is to be rotated by the Vdog 90, the tail-arm 94Iof the latchis provided with a cam edge 95. Y Adjacent toI 'this cam edge a lever 96 is located which is normally i' held against `descent because 'it rests upon the upper edge of thev arm 88. 'lhis releasing lever 96 is pressed down by a small spring 97 (see Fig. 5)." As soon as the arm 88 starts downwardly it permits the releasing lever 96 to shove itselfY against the cam edge 95 of the arm 94 and this pulls Vthe latch down into its releasing vposition as indicated in Fig. 4. Y The releasing lever 96 is limited in its downward movement by The latch maintains this Y releasing'positionuntil the arm 88 returns to a sufficiently high elevation to'engage the lever 96 and raise the same; this will per-v mit theV spring 92 to app'lythe latch 91A when the pin-wheel isk stopped. For this purpose a part of the pivot bolt 86 (see Fig. 25) extends through a slot 16a formed in theA side flange -16b ofthe frame' member 16;'and on the-inner side of the flange 16b a head 86a is provided; a leaf spring 86hv xed to the Yframe member y16 engages and ing member 16S-takes place, `the lever 101 is normally Vholds the head 86a against the outer end of the slot'. Now, in the latter part of the operating portion of the dogs movement, and as the dog 90 is moving upwardly and the member 16 is moving 70 outwardly, thelat'ch 91 stops the rotation of i the pin-wheel; when this occurs the spring 86" permits the pin 90 to. stand still (virtually permitting the dog'bar 88 to lengthen), and the further movement of the connect-V ing rod 18 immediately thereafter 'carries the -pin 90 up and away from the pin 85 with which it was coperating. t

' Any suitable means may be provided for automatically controlling the two'clamping members 32 and 35, referred to above, and I'shall'nowdescribe the preferred mechanism'for this purpose, referring especially to Figs. 10 and 17. The clamping member 32 is actuated by a link 99 which extends over towardthe left side of the machine or toward the right as viewed in Fig. 17; this linkY has la pin- Y and-slotconnection at 100 with the lower end of-an actuating lever 101 which extends Y 90 upwardly and has its upper end pivoted at 102 on the .side of themain frame 5.l VIn the Voperation of the machine, as the inward swinging relative movement of the actuat 95 engaged byV a -roller'108 on the"'lower end of an arm 104"which'extends downwardlyy from the connecting rod 18. v This will rock the lever 101'toward the clamp 32 and this will open the clamp. The clamp member V82 100 is otherwise held againstthe post V31 by means of a spring 105 ,(see Fig. 1 7) which is'attached to the frame and exertsv its force against the lever 101. ',The'clamping member' 35 is actuated in a somewhat Vdif- 105 ferent manner; for this purpose this clamping memberis attached to an inclined stem 106 which extends upwardly and outwardly Y and is lguided through a guide Vbracket 107 on the side of the frame member 5 l(see Fig. 110

V10). This guide-member is omitted in Fig.

17 The inclined stem 106 has a collar 108 xed on it, and-against this collar a long Y Vcoil spring 109 thrusts, the upper end ofthe A spring thrusting against the guide member 107. The outer end of the 'stem 106v passes through a flat arm 110 which is pivoted at 111 onrthe same pivot with the actuating member16. A skew 'washer 112 forms a lseat for a nut carried on the end of the stem 106 which is threaded for this -purpose. In a part ofthe relative outward movement of the member V16 the roller 103 engages the arm 110 and rocks it lin an outward direction; this pulls on the stemV 106 125 trame 6 and provided with a laterally bentV order to rock this detent plate, its stem `40 is provided with an upwardlyY extending crank arm 114 which is engaged by the end of a short link 115 (see Figs. 10 and 17) this link extends over toward the back ot the machine and has a pivot connection 116 with a bell crank lever 117 pivoted on the plate;V

said bell crank lever having an outwardly extending arm 118 the outer end oit which is attached to the off-set lower end 119 ot an actuating lever 120 that is pivotally attached at 121 on the side of the main frame 5. At the proper time in the inward relative movement of the member16, lever 120 is engaged by a pusher arm 122 thatis attached to the side of the actuating member 16.

The trame 6 is actuated by a connecting rod 123 similar to the connecting rod 18 described above and this connecting rod is not attached directly to the trame 6, but is attached to a pivoted actuating member or lever 124 that is pivoted at 125 to the loweil portion of the frame 6.` A coil spring 126 is `disposed between the actuating member 124 and the frame 6 so as to operate as a yielding connection similar to the spring 19; in the first part of the inward movement 'ot the frame 6, the inward movement ofthe` :trame is imparted to it through the spring 126; atter the plate 9 has engaged the side of the neck, a relative movement of the lever 124 takes place. The 'spring permits this relative movement. In the present machine, however, I do not utilize this relative movement of the lever 124 to actnate any mechanism. y

The outward relative movement or" the two members 16 and 124 on their pivots, is limited by two arms, that is to say, the frame 5 is provided with a downwardly inclined arm 127 adjacent to the Vside of the member 16 and provided with a laterally bent extremity 128 which engages the outer edge of the member 16 and stops it in its outwardV move ment. A similar arm 129 is attached to the tip 130 to engage the outeredge of this lever and operate as a stop'for the same.

Vhen the clamping plates 8 and 9 come together to clamp the neck of the bag van automatic constricting device operates to ress the sides of the neck at an intermediate point between the jaws 10 and 11. This device is in the form of two oppositely disposed levers 13,1 mountedon pivots 132 on the trame 6 (see Fig. 7) and the outer ends oi these levers are formed with curved tails 133 which operate as cams coperating with a roller 134 (see Fig. 1) carried on a bar 135a `on brackets 135 secured to the supporting frame 1. A spring 136 connects these tails and tends to pull the constricting levers 131 in a direction to separate their curved jaws 137 that engage the sides of the neck. When the plates 8 and -9 come together the roller 134 exerts a cam action on the tails 133 and causes the jaws 137 to grip the sides of the bags neck at a point intermediate between the jaws 10 and 11.

l shall now .describe the general mode of operation of the entire machine.

Then the operating mechanism is in its open position as shown in Fig. 2, the bag is placed in position and held upright with the neck ot' the bag between the jaws at the adjacent ends of the plates 8 and 9. As the lsha't't 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the connecting rods 18 and 123 exert an inward pull on the members 16 and 124; this operates toswing the frames 5 and 6 inwardly toward each other and causes the jaws 10 and 11 to engage opposite sides of the bags neck 2. Beyond this point the continued rotation of the shaft 13 produces a relative movement of the actuating member 16 with respect to the frame 5. As this occurs the arm 88 descends from the position infwhich it is illustrated in Fig. 2 and the dog 90 passes into the space between two 0f the pins 85 near the lower edge of the pinwheel 84 (see Figs. 2 to About the time that this is occurring the automatic action ot the machine operates to open the clamping members 32 and 35.' The pin 90 then describes an arc toward the right of the machine and along the path in which the pins l 85 travel. yThis actuates the shaft 82 and through the medium of the bevel gears 81 and 80, rotates the tubular knotter shaft 24. This rotates the loop arm 23 through two revolutions and operates to lay the tying cord in a loop 45 in the manner illustrated in Figs. 11 to 13 inclusive. The mode of operation of the parts that effect this result have been very completely described. One of these operations concerns the movable detent 39, which in one of t-he revolutions of the arm 23 is projected upwardly automatically so as to engage the tying cord and form the loop 45,' atthe same time the raising of this detent operates to open up the loop in a vertical direction sor as to cause the sides 46 and 4i' of the loop to be disposed respectively across and on opposite sides ot` the path of movement of the reciprocating knotter needle 49. The continued movement of the machine operates to advance the needle 49 through the loop 45. As this occurs the cam 59 coperating with the lever 55 slides the sleeve 52 on the shaft'O of the needle and uncovers the notch 51 (see Figs. 18 and 22). The continued movement of the needle engages the part or extension 48 of the cord in the notch 51 and the stem then withdraws so as to grip the extension 48 against the end of the sleeve 52. This occurs just after the stage of movement indica-ted in Fig. 19. As the needle holds the extension 48 of the cord, it is jerked 1rearwardly by the action of the spring 73 (see Fig. 10) that is permitted to operate through the action of the tripping mechanism at 74 and 75. rlhis gives a quick return to the needle and jerks the extension 48 of the tying cord across the knife edge 64, thereby severing the tying cord; the balance of the quick return movement pulls this part of the cord through the loop and jerks the loop tight on the neck of the bag. About this time clamping member 35 opens so as to permit the extension 42 of the tying cord to free itself, and sleeve 52 also releases the cord and withdraws farther. After this, outward movement of the frames 5 and 6 occurs and the bags neck is freed from the j aivs of the plates 8 and 9,both endsv of the string on the bag now being released from clamp and needle. Y Y

lhile the tying cord is being applied to theneck of 4the bag, the constricting levers 131 are squeezing the sides of the neck of the bagl between the jaws andA this considerably reduces the diameter of the neck. 0n this account the necktends to expand after it is released from the jaws'of the levers and this assists in making the knot or hitch in the tying cord secure.

' A The plate 9 may be provided yvith a rigid block 9a (see `Fig. 10) that lits into the j aw 10,'fand this limits the approaching movement of the plates 8 and 9 as their adjacent A edges overlap each other, When the frames and 6 swing'together. This block carries the aforesaid splint 60.

It isfunderstood thatthe lembodiment of .theV invention described herein, is only one of the ymany embodiments my invention may take, and I do not Wish to be limited in the practice 0f my invention nor in my claims,

to the particular embodiment set forth.

l/Vhat l claim anddesire to secure. by Letters Patentois :k Y I 1. ln a machine for closing'and tying bags or the like7 the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, a needle, means Y for reciprocating the same, loop mechanism for forming a loop of theV tying cord around vand extending from the neck of the bag With one of the cords of the loop disposed across and onA one side of the path in which 'the needle reciprocates, and the other cord of the loop disposed across and on the other side of said path, said needle having means 'for catching a partof the'tying cord beyond the loop, and to pull the loop tight in theY ias to dispose one cord of the loop across and on one side of the path of the needle,

3. In a Ymachine for closing and tyingbags or the like,.the combination 'of means forV holding the neck of the bag, a needle, means for reciprocating the same, loop n'iechanism for forming a loop of the tying cord around and extending from the neck of the bag with' one of the cords of the loop disposed across and on oneqside Vof the path in which the needle recipro'cates, and the other cord f of the loop disposedacross and on thef other Vside of said path, said needle having means for catching a part of the tying cord beyond the loop, operating to pull the same Vthrough the loop and to pull the' loopy tight in the return movement, and means for severingV the tying cord.

4. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, Vthe combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, a needle, means for reciprocating the same, a rotary loop laying. device mounted 'to rotate around the Vneck ofthe bag, means cooperating therewith to form a loop aroundl and extending from the neck of the bagvvith one of the cords of the loop disposed across and fon one side of the path in Which the'needle reciprocates and the other cord of the loop disposed across and on the other sidev of said path, said needle having means for catching the cord beyond the loop and operating toj pull the same through the loop andV to, pull the loop tight in the return movement. Y

5. ln a machine for closing andtying bags or the like, the combination of means for holdingf'the neck of the bag,` a needle, means ,for reciprocating the same7 a rotary loop laying arm, a relatively fixed loop frame, a detent mounted on; the loop-frame, means forvactuating lthe detent to cooperate with the rotary armito form a loop around andY extending from the neck-of the vbag with one cord of' the loop disposed on one side of the path of the needle and the other cord of they loop on the otherY side of said path, Y

said needle having means for Ycatching a,

part of the tying cord'beyond the loop and operating to pull the same through thev loop and to pull therloop tight in the return movement, and means coperating with the needle for severing the` tying cord.Y

6. In a machine for closing or tying bags or the like, the combination of meansfor holding the neck of the bag, af needle, means for reciprocating the same, a rotary looparm, a loop-framecoperating With the arm to hold the parts of the tying cord, 'and having a movable detent cooperating with the rotarydevice to forma loop around and extending from the neck of the bag With one of the cords of the loop disposed on one side of the path ot movement of the needle and the other cord of the loop disposed on the other side et said path, said needle having means Jor catching a part of the tying cordbeyond the loop and operating to pull the same through the loop and to pull the loop tight in the return portion ci the reciprocating movement, and means coperating with the needle to sever the tying cord.

7. In a macnine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination ot means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, loop forming mechanism for forming a loop of the tying cord around and extending from the neck of the bag with one of the cords of the loop disposed across and on one side or' the path of said reciprocating means and the other cord of the loop disposed across and on the other side oit' said path, said reciprocating means having means constructed for engaging a part of the tying cord beyond the loop, operating to pull the same through the loop and to pull the loop tight in the return portion of the reciprocating movement, and means for severing the tying cord.

8. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of tae bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, loop forming mechanism for holding an eXtension of the tying cord extending from th neck of the bag and having means for torminga loop around and extending from the neck of the bag with oner cord of the loop disposed across and on one side of the path of said reciprocating means and the other cord of the loop disposed across and on the other side of said path, said reciprocating means constructed to engage the said eX- tension of the tying cord, to pull the same through the loop in the return portion of the reciprocating movement and to pull the loop tight. Y

9. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, loop forming mechanism for holding an extension et the tying cord from the neck of the bag and having means for forming a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag with one cord of the loop disposed across and on one side of the path of said reciprocating means and the other cord of the loop disposed across and on the other side of the said path, said reciprocating means constructed to engage the said eX- tension of the tying cord, to pull the same through the loop in the return portion ot the reciprocating movement and to pull the loop tight, and automatic means for severing the tying cord on said extension beyond the part thereotl that is engaged by the reciprocating means.

lO. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rotary loop forming arm, a relatively iXed loop-frame coperating with the arm to lay an extension or' the tying cord eX- tending from the neck of the bag, means mounted on said loop-frame and coperating with the rotary device to form a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag with one sideof the loop disposed across and on one side of the path of the reciprocating means, and the other side of the loop disposed across and on the other side of said path, said reciprocating means constructed tc pass through the loop in its forward movement, and having means to engage the said extension beyond the loop and pull the same toward and through the loop in its return movement, and means for severing the tying cord beyond the point engaged by the reciprocating means, said reciprocating means operating in its return movement to pull the loop tight upon the neck.

11. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for reciprocating the same, a rotary loop laying arm, a relatively tired loop frame, cooperating with the arm to lay an extension or the tying cord around the neck of the bag in one revolution or the arm, and having means for coperating with the arm in another revolution of the rotary device to form a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag with one side of said loop disposed across and on one side of the Vpath of the reciprocating means, and the other side of the loop disposed across and on the other side of said path, said reciprocating means constructed to move through the loop and pass both cords of the loop in its forward movement, and operating to engage said extension beyond the loop and pull the same toward and through the loop in the return movement of the reciprocating means, and automatic means for severing the tying cord at a point thereon beyond the point engaged by the reciprocating means, said reciprocating means operating in the return movement to pull the loop tight upon the neck.

l2. n a machine for closing and tying bags and the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rotary loop forming device, a relatively fixed loop frame having means cooperating With the rotary device to lay the tying cord with an extension extending away from the bags neck, and in a loop disposed around and ex- Y and on the other side of said path, said reciprocating means constructed to move through the loop in its forward movement and past both cords of the loop, operating to engage the said extension beyond the loop and pull the same toward and through the loop in its return movement, and automatic means for severing the tying cord at a point thereon beyond the point engaged bythe reciprocating means, said reciprocating means operating in its return movement to pull the loop tight upon the neck.

' 13. In a machine for closing or tying bags or the like,the combination ot means for holding the neck oi' the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rotary loop laying arm, a relatively fixed loop-trame, means carried by the loop-trame coperating with the rotary arm in one or' its revolutions to lay an extension of the tying cord projecting from the neck of the bag, means lmounted on the loop-frame coperating with the rotary arm in another revolution, to form a loop around and extending from the neck o1"- the bag, with one side of the loop disposed on one side ot the path ot the reciprocating means and the other side ot the loop disposed on the other side ot said path, said reciprocating means mounted and constructed to move through Vthe loop and past both sides of the loop in its forward movement, operating to engage said extension beyond the loop and pull the saine toward and through the loop in the return n'iovement oi the reciprocating means, automatic means for severing the tying cord `at a point beyond the point engaged by the reciprocating means, said reciprocating means operating in the return movement to pull the loop tight upon the neck ot the bag. 3.4. in a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination oit means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rotary loop laying arm, a relatively fixed loop frame, means carried by the loopframe cooperating with the rotary arm in one oit its revolutions to lay an extension ot the tying cord projecting from the neck of the'bag, a detent movably mounted on the loop-trame so as to assume an inactive depressed position, a-iid an active position in which it" cooperates with the rotary device to lorm a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag, means for periodically moving'the detent into its active and inactive positions, said reciprocating means constructed to pass through the loop in its for- Wardmoveinent and engage said extension beyond the loop and draw the same toward and through the loop in its return movement, and automatic means ior severing the tying cord.

15. ln a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means 'for holding the neck of thebag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rota-ry loop forming device including a rotary arm carrying the supply cordand rotating about the bags neck, a relatively fixed loop-frame, means carried thereby tor holding the end otthe tying cord and cooperating with the rotary device to lay an extension oi the tying cord from the neck ot the bag to the holding means in one revolution of the rotary device, a movable detent mounted on the loop-frame capable of assuming an inactive position to permit free movement of the tying cord in the said first revolution, and having an upright active position to engage Vthe tying cord and cooperate With the rotary device in its second revolution to form a loop around and extending from theneck of the bag, said reciprocating means constructed to pass through the loop in its forward movement and engage said extension beyond the loop and pull the said extension toward and through the loop in its return movement, and automatic means for severing the tying cord from the supply cord. n

i6. ln a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rotary loop forming device including a rotary arm carrying the supply cord and rotating about the bags neck, a relatively fixed loop-trame, holding means mounted on the loop-frame adj acent to the path of movement of the arm` to engage and hold the tying cord in the first revolution of the arm around the bags neck, and coperating with the rotary arm to lay an extension ofthe tying cord in a fixed position, a movable detent carried by the loop-frame having an inactive position to permit the tree movenient oi"- the tying cord in the said first revolution, and capable of assuming an active position adj acent the path of movement ot the arm, means for holding the detent-y in its inactive position inthe first revolution of the rotary arm and tor holding the det-ent in its active position in the second revolution of the arm, said detent and rotary device coperating to form a loo-p around and extending :trom the neck of the bag, said holding means constructed to permit thel tying cord extending from the rotary arm to drag freely over the same in the second revolution of the rotary arm, said reciprocating` means constructed Vto pass through the loop in its forward movement and engage said extension beyond the loop and pull the same toward and through the loop in the return movement ofthe reciprocating means, and automatic means for severing the tying cord.

17. In a machine for closing and tying bags, or Athe like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rotary loop forming device including a rotary arm carrying the supply cord and rotating about the bags neck, a relatively fixed loop-frame, a clamping device mounted on the loop-frame adjacent to the path of movement of the arml to engage and hold the tying cord in the first revolution of the arm around the bags neck and coperating with the rotary arm to lay an extension of the tying cord in a fixed position, detent means mounted on the loop-frame operating to permit free movement of the tying cord in the said first revolution, said clamping means also operating to permit the free movement of the tying cord past the same in the second revolution of the arm, said detent means coperating with the rotary arm during the second revolution thereof to form a.

lloop around and extending from the neck of the bag, said reciprocating means constructed to pass throughthe loop in its forward movement and engage said extension beyond the loop and draw the same toward and through the loopv in its return movement, automatic means for severing the tying cord, means for releasing the said clamping device, and a second clamping means carried by. the loop-frame for holding the tying cord While the first named clamping device is released.

18. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means 'for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same, a rotary loop forming device including a rotary arm carrying the supplycord and rotating about the bags neck, a relatively fixed loopframe having a pair of posts located so as to be engaged on their outer sides by the tying cord in the first revolution of the arm, movable clamping members coperating with the posts, automatic means for actuating each clamping member, one of said posts coperating with the rotary arm to lay an extension of the tying cord in a fixed position in the first revolution of the arm, a detent operating to permit free movement of the tying cord past the same in the first revolution, means for moving the detent into a position to engage the tying cord during the second revolution of the arm, said detent coperating with the rotary arm to form a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag, said reciprocating means constructed to pass through the loop in its forward movement and engage the said extension beyond the loop and pull the same toward and through the loop in its return movement,

anddautomatic means for severing thetying cor `19. In a machine for closing and tying bags and the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, reciprocating means, means for actuating the same. a rotary loop forming device including a rotary arm carrying the supply cord and rotating about the bags neck, a relatively fixed loop-frame, a post carried by the loop-frame in a position to be engaged on its outer side by the tying cord in the first revolution of the arm, a movable clamping member on the outer side of the post for clamping the tying cord, Vautoma/tic means for actuating the clamping member, a second post on the loopfra-me in a position to be engaged on its outer side by the tying cord in the first revolution of the arm, a movable clamping member coperating therewith to clamp the cord, said arm coperating With said posts in one revolution of the arm to lay an extension of the tying cord from the neck of the bag to the first named post, said posts and clamping members controlled so as to permit free movement of the tying cord past the same in a second revolution of the rotary arm, a detent for engaging the tying cord during the said second revolution and coperating with the rotary arm to form a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag, automatic means for severing the tying cord at said extension, and means for pulling the part of said extension connected with the neck of the bag through the loop to tighten the loop on the bags neck.

20. In a machine of the character described, loop forming mechanism for laying a loop preparatory to forming a knot and including a post operating as a guideV when forming the loop, reciprocating means coperating with the loop forming mechanism to complete the knot, a knife associated with the post, said reciprocating means operating during its movement in completing` the knot to pull the tying cord against said knife to sever the tying cord.

2l. In a machine for closing and tying bags, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, loop forming mechanism including a post With a knife edge, said loop forming mechanism operating to lay a loop around the neck of the bag preparatory to completing the knot and operating to lay an extension of the tying cord across the cutting edge, a member coperating With the loop forming mechanism to complete the knot and constructed to engage said extension and pull the same forcibly against the said cutting edge to sever the tying cord, and operating thereafter to pull a part of the tying cord through the loop to complete the knot.

22. In a machine for closing and tying` bags or the like, the combination of means forholding the neck of the bag, loop forming mechanism including a loop-frame and a rotary arm carrying the supply cord, a post on the loop-frame carrying a cutting edge, means carried by the loop-frame and coperating with the rotary arm to lay an extension of the tying cord from the neck of the bag to the post and lying across the said knife edge, means carried by the loop-frame coperating' with the arm to form a loop around and extending from the neck of the bag, and Vmeans for engaging the said extension and for pulling the same toward the loop and against the cutting edge to sever the extension, said means operating thereafter to pull the severed extension through the loop and to pull the loop tight on the bags neck.

23. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means for holding the neck of the bag, loop forming mechanism including a loop-frame and a rotary arm carrying the supply cord, a post on the loop-frame carrying a cutting edge, means carried by the loop-frame and cooperating with tlie rotary arm to lay anexte'nsion of the tying cord from the neck of the bag to the post and lying across the said knife edge, a detent mounted to rock on the loop-frame and capable of lying flat upon the loop-frame to permit free movement of the tying cord past the same in the first revolution of the arm, actuating means for the detent operating to swing the same upwardly during the second revolution of the rotary arm to engage the tying cord and cooperate therewith to form a loop around and extending from the neck ofthe bag, said detent having means operating to effect a relative displacement of the sides of the said loop, a reciprocating needle, means for actuating the same to pass through the loop, said needle having means for engaging said extension beyond the loop to pull the extension toward the loop and sever the tying cord at the cutting edge, said needle operating thereafter to pull the tying cord through the loop and to pull the loop tight on the bags neck.

24. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, means for holding the neck of the bag, a rotary arm for carrying the supply cord, a relatively fixed loop-frame,

means carried thereby for holding the tying v cord and cooperating with the arm to lay a loop of the tying cord around the bags neck during the first revolution of the arm, an-d to lay a second loopl around the bags neck in the second revolution of the arm, a movable detent operating-to assume a depressed position on the loop-frame in the said first revolution to permit the tying cord to pass freely over the detent, actuating means for the detent operating to raise the same to engage the tying cord in the second revolution of thearm and cooperating with the arm to form the said second loop around and so that it extends from the neck of the bag, means for laying an extension of the cord during the second revolution of the arm, reciprocating means mounted to move through the loop and engage the said extension beyond the loop, means for severing the tying cord at the said extension, said reciprocating means operating to pull a portion of the cord forming said extension through the loop, said actuating means also operating to depress the -detent and free the loop, and said reciprocating means operating thereafter to pull the loop tight on the bags neck.

25. In a machine of the character described, loop forming mechanism for laying a loop preparatory to forming a knot and including means for laying an extension of the tying cord in a fixed position, and a needle consisting of a shaft actuated to move through the loop and having means on its side near its point for engaging the said extension, and means mounted to slide on the needle shaft to engage the cord and hold the same before pulling the extension through the loop.

26. In a machine of the character described, a knot forming needle consisting of a shaft adapted to pass ythrough a loop of the tying cord, and having xed holding means on its side adjacent its point, a sleeve mounted on the shaft of the needle and normally held inl a position .to leave the said holding means exposed when 'the same engages the tying cord, and means for moving the sleeve along the shaft to clamp the tying cord against the holding means to enable the cord to be pulled through the loop.

27. In a machine of the character described, a knot forming needle consisting of a shaft having a notch on its side near its point for engaging the cord, a sleeve mounted to slide on the shaft, and means for moving the sleeve to and fro on the shaft to engage or release the cor-d lying in the notch.

28. In a machine. for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a pair of oppositely disposed movable frames having means for holding the neck of the bag, actuating means for moving said frames toward each other to engage the neck of tlie bag, knot forming mechanism carried on one of said frames and including a rotary arm carrying the supply cord, to lay loops around the bags neck, said actuating means for said frames operating to separate the same thereafter, to permit the removal of the bag.

29. In a machine for closing and Vtying bags or the like, the combination of a frame having means for engaging theneck of the bag and mounted to move toward or from the bag, means coperating therewith to hold the bags neck,-an actuating member movably supported on said frame, actuating means connected with the actuating member for moving the same, a connectionbetween the actuating member and the frame for imparting movement from the actuating member to the frame to move the frame forward to engage the bags neck, said connection constructed to yield after the frame has come against the bag, to permita relative movement of the actuating member with respect to the frame, knotting mechanism mountcf on the frame, and carrying cord, and actuating means for actuating` the knotting meelanism during the said relative movement of the actuating member, to apply the tying cord to the neck of the bag.

30. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination ot a main frame and an auxiliary iframe mounted to move toward or from each other, and having means for engaging the neck of the bag, an actuating member movably supgorted on said main frame, actuating means connected with the auxiliary frame, and connected with the actuating member for moving' the said frames, a connection between the main frame and the actuating member for imparting movement from the actuating,` member to the main frame in moving the frames together to engage the bags neck, said connection constructed so as to yield after the frames have come against the bags neck to permit a relative movement of the actuating member with respect to the main frame., knotting mechanism mounted on the main frame and carrying cord, and automatic means for actuating the knotting mechanism during the said relative movement of the actuating member to apply the tying cord to the neck of the bag. Y

31. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a pivoted frame having means for engaging the neck of the bag, a shaft, an actuating member for the frame movably supported on the `trame and connected with the said shaft to actuate the frame, a connection between the actuating member andthe frame 'for imparting movement from the actuating member to the frame to move the frame forward to engage the bags neck, means for cooperating with the frame to hold the bags neck, said connection operating to yield after the frame has come against the bag to permit a relative movement of the actuating member with respect to the frame, knotting mechanism mounted on the frame, and carrying cord, and means for actuating the knotting mechanism by the said relative movement of the actuating member to apply the tying cord to the neck of the bag.

32. In al machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a frame having means for engaging the neck of the bag and mounted to move toward or from the bag, means coperating therewith to hold the bags neck, an actuating member movably supported; on said frame, actuating means connected with the actuating member for moving the frame inwardly toward the bags neck, or outwardly awayl from the same, a connection between the actuating member and the trame for imparting 'force from the actuating' member to the frame, to produce the inward movement of the trame, said connection constructed to yield after the frame has come against the bag, to permit a relative movement of the actuating member with respect to the frame, knotting mechanism mounted on the trame, and carrying cord, automatic means for actuating the knotting mechanism during the said relative movement of the actuating member to apply the tying cord to the neck of the bag, and means for limiting the outward mov .ment of the actuating member with respect to the frame to ena le the actuating member to impart an outward movement to the frame.

33. ln a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a main -rame and an auxiliary frame supported so `and the main trame for imparting the inward movement of thc actuating member to the main iframe to move the main frame inwardly, said connection constructed to yield after the frames have come against the bags neck, to permit a relative movement of the actuating member with respect to the main frame, knotting mechanism mounted on the main frame, and carrying cord, and automatic means lor actuating the knotting mechanism during the said relative movement of the actuating member, to apply the tying cord to the neck ci the bag.

Se. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a pivotally supported main frame, and a pivotally supported auxiliary frame, said frames having means for engaging the neck of the bag, an actuating lever mounted on the main frame, actuating means connected with the lever for moving the same inwardly and outwardly, a spring between the lever and the main frame for imparting the inward movellO ment from the lever to the main frame to the bag, an actuating lever pivotally mounted on the auxiliary frame and connected with the actuating means for actuating the auxiliary frame, and a spring between the last named lever and the auxiliary frame to permit relative movement of the same with respect to the auxiliary frame after the auxiliary frame has engaged the bags neck.

35. In amachine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a main frame and an oppositely disposed auxiliary frame, said frames mounted to swing toward each other, a shaft disposed 'between said frames and carrying oppositely disposed cranks for swinging the frames outwardly and inwardly to engage the bags neck, an actuating lever pivotally mounted on the main frame, a spring between the actuating Y lever and the main frame, said spring operating to yield after the frames have come against the bags neck to permit a relative movement of the lever with respect to the main frame, knotting mechanism mounted on the main frame, and carrying cord, and automatic means for actuating the knotting mechanism during the said relative movement of the actuating lever, to apply the tying cord to the neck of the bag.

36. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a main frame and an auxiliary frame mounted to swing away from each other, and toward each other to hold the bags neck, actuating' means, including a member connected with each frame for swinging the frames toward and from each other, knotting mechanism mounted on the main frame, and carrying cord, and automatic means actuated by one of said members for actuating the knotting mechanism when the frames are holding the bags neck, to apply a tying cord thereto.

37. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of means for holding the bags neck, a rotatably mounted tubular shaft disposed above the neck of the bag, and carrying a loop laying arm, means for guiding the supply cord downwardly lthrough the bore of the shaft and outwardly on said arm, automatic means for holding the end of the tying cord,l automatic means for rotating the shaft and arm when the bags neck is being held to lay loops around the neck of the bag, means for pulling a portion of the tying cord forcibly through one of the loops to form a knot and secure the tying cord on the bags neck, and relatively fixed means cooperating therewith to sever the cor 38. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a main frame having means for engaging the bags neck, means coperating therewith to hold the b ags neck, a tubular shaft rotatably and carrying a loop laying arm, means for guiding the cord down the bore of the shaft and outwardly on said arm, actuating means1 a lost motion device connecting the same with the frame for swingingthe frame inwardly to engage the bags neck, and means actuated by the last named means after the frame engages the bag to revolve said arm, automatic means for holding the end of the tying cord, means cooperating with the arm to lay two loops around the neck of the bag, and automatic means operating upon the loops to form a knot on one of the said loops, and for pulling the same tight.

39. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of a pair of oppositely disposed movable Vframes, mounted to swing toward or from each other, said frames having oppositely disposed jaws for engaging opposite sides of the bags neck to constrict the same, knot forming mechanism including loop-laying means carried by one of said frames, means for moving the frames toward each other to hold the bags neck between'the jaws, and automatic means for securing the tying cord to the bags neck while held between the jaws.

40. In a machine for closing and tying bags or the like, the combination of oppositely disposed movable frames having jaws to engage opposite sides of the bags neck, means for moving the frames toward each other to-engage the bags neck, a constrictifig device, automatic means for actuating the same to engage the sides of the bags neck at an intermediate pointbetween the jaws when the same have come together, lmot forming mechanism including loop-layinfmeans carried by one of said frames, and automatic means for actuating the same to tie the neck of the bag when held between the jaws.

4:1. In a machine for closing andv tying to hold the bags neck, a continuously rotat- Y ing driving shaft, a connecting rod connecting the same with the frame to move the same toward or away from the bags neck, a tubular knotter shaft carried on the frame above the neck of the bag and carrying a loop laying arm, means for guiding the cord down said shaft and outwardly on said arm, automatic means for holding the end of the cord, a pinion carried on the upper end of the knotter shaft, a gear wheel for rotating the pinion, means vfor rotating the gear wheel after the frame has en-i gaged the neck of the bag, means coperating with the arm to lay a loop around the neck ofthe bag,'and automatic means for forming a lknot in the loop and tightening the same. mounted on the mam frame above the bag 

